Transportation of intending pilgrims begins May 23 in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Pilgrims Agency said that the transportation of intending pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj will begin on May 23.

The Deputy Director, Public Relations, Malam Yunusa Abdullahi, made the announcement in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna.

Abdullahi said the date was set in collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the state agency, and representative of the airline.

He added that Max Air has been designated as the official carrier for the transportation of the state’s pilgrims to the Holy land this year.

Abdullahi recalled that in November 2023, Gov. Uba Sani had formed a committee to oversee the state’s Hajj operations and ensure pilgrims’ welfare.

He added the committee’s Chairman, Malam Salihu Abubakar, who is also the Executive Chairman of the agency has met with the unit leaders of the intending pilgrims.

Abdullahi said, “Malam Abubakar emphasized the committee’s commitment in ensuring a hitch-free Hajj exercise, urging the unit leaders to fulfil their responsibilities in guiding and protecting pilgrims’ rights.

”He also advised the pilgrims to maintain communication with officials and also warned them to be wary of fraudsters, just as he expressed hope for a successful Hajj.”

He disclosed that 4,776 pilgrims who completed payments of the required fare at the prescribed time would perform this year’s Hajj.

“These are pilgrims who met NAHCON’s deadline payments on or before Feb. 12, 2024 of N4.5 million and an additional amount of N1,199,000.

”Those who met that deadline became eligible for enjoying the Federal Government support and were given the opportunity to pay an additional N1.9 million on or before 28th March, 2024, ” Abdullahi said.